When one walks into Mr. Eccles’s art class, it is like entering a world of wonderment. The once stark and vacant walls of his classroom have been brilliantly transformed into an oasis of figures, characters, scenes, and familiar icons. It took a year for Mr. Eccles and his students to complete this vibrant and engaging masterpiece, however, it is the first of many art related projects that will have positive impacts on the esthetics and culture of West Jefferson Senior High School.
It is the mission of Mr. Eccles, the students, and members of the West Jefferson High School community to usher in a renaissance of learning, creativity and school spirit through a series of murals like the ones in his classroom. It all began when Liquitex, a premier art materials supplier, contracted 12 of Mr. Eccles’s art students to create a mural at last year’s National Art Education Association convention in New Orleans. Attendees and spectators alike were impressed by the art students’ creations and professionalism. That mural is now prominently displayed in the school’s main hallway for all to enjoy.
The follow-up mural was done to kick off the commemoration of West Jefferson High School’s 60th year anniversary. It also served as a start of an ongoing beautification project in the school’s cafeteria. The mural is the beginning of a series of projects to help make the cafeteria reflect the “Buc Pride” of the students, staff and community. Mr. Eccles promises more exciting and inviting changes in the future as it relates to the Buc Galley.
The official West Jefferson 60th Year Anniversary mural was unveiled on October 19, 2015 at an alumni mixer for former administrators, staff and students. The mural depicts iconic images that reflect each of the six decades of the school’s existence. If one would look closely at the treasures within the chests, they would realize that special homage was given to former and present administrators and alumni. Their names are immortalized for all to see those who were a part of the treasures that set the foundation of West Jefferson High School, and as those that will lead the school to its promising future. The mural is prominently displayed in the school’s main hallway.
Mr. Eccles believes that the art he and his students create reflects the positive direction in which the school is heading. The students, in his words, are experiencing “positive educational experiences that exhibit their school pride as they sacrifice afternoons and weekends to complete the murals.”
Mr. Eccles believes, that under the leadership of Principal Vanessa Brown-Lewis, and with the cooperation of students, parents, faculty and staff, school spirit will continue to set sail a course of educational opportunities and achievement.